The glorious three-domed Griffith Observatory atop Mount Hollywood celebrates its 75th birthday, and you’re invited to several free public events this year starting Friday, May 14!
Get to the observatory by 11:30 am Friday to watch the unveiling of the 75th birthday banner. Even though you can’t miss L.A.’s iconic hood ornament, a birthday balloon display from the telescope domes signals you’ve found the right place! Look for the astronomical presentation of cupcakes, too!
Afterward, look skyward for a special event at 12:49 p.m. with Observatory Director E. C. Krupp. The projection of the Sun’s image across the Gottlieb Transit Corridor’s engraved meridian arc will align with the inlaid equinox line on the Observatory’s West Observation terrace. When sunlight strikes the photoelectric sensors on the arc, LEDs embedded in the ecliptic chart light up the stars of the constellation through which the Sun is passing. These are stars that are always present in the sky but are unseen because the Sun is so bright.
Can’t make the afternoon event? Stop by for Friday evening’s free sunset ceremony with Dr. Krupp at 7:47 p.m.. Griffith Observatory hosts a second public birthday celebration at 8:35 p.m. when the Observatory will capture light from the star Gemma to illuminate 75 lights on the architectural model of the Observatory. The light from Gemma left the star in 1935, the year the Observatory opened on May 14.
Every 1st Friday 
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